As the bird flu continues to spread in the U.S., Massachusetts farmers must protect their flocks. But due to the recent rise in the disease, growing and raising their own food on property is a tradition that may have to be put on hold.

Evidence suggests that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and “likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,” state officials announced Wednesday.

The circulating bird flu has become “widespread” in the Bay State, as officials believe the virus has killed 500 to 1,000 wild birds across the region. And the total number of dead birds is likely “much higher than that,

The predominant precipitation type will be rain. However, there will be some snow before all is said and done.

Elevation will play a role with this next system and snow production, with the mountainous regions of Western Mass., New Hampshire and Vermont possibly reaching 3 inches. Some trailing, scattered snow showers on the back edge of the storm will continue through Wednesday’s commute home.